Apparatus for speaker actuated visual effects having mechanical display actuation

ABSTRACT

A permanent magnet speaker is mounted within an enclosure. The vibratory movements of the speaker cone are used to drive a translucent color cylinder which is positioned behind a viewing screen. A pair of incandescent bulbs are connected across the speaker coil and vary in intensity in accordance with the signal applied to the speaker. The screen displays a changing color pattern which varies in intensity with the audio signal.

United States Patent Burm et al. 1451 May 23, 1972 [54 APPARATUS FOR SPEAKER [56] References Cited ACTUATED VISUAL EFFECTS HAVING u rr STATES P TE MECHANICAL DISPLAY ACTUATION 3,478,343 11/1969 Wallace ..340/261 Inventors: George C. Burm, Glendale Heights; Elmer C. l-lenrlksen, Chicago; Eugene V. Mnteja, Norridge, all of Ill.

Bell & Howell Company, Chicago, Ill.

Jan. 18, 1971 Assi gnee:

Filed:

Appl. No.:

US. Cl. ..340/261, 340/ 148, 340/366 Int. Cl. ..G08b 21/00, HOlh 27/04, HOlh 35/02 Field of Search ..340/366 B, 148, 261

Primary Examiner-Harold l. Pitts Attorney-William F. Pinsak, Kenneth W. Greb, William K. Serp and John E. Peele, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A permanent magnet speaker is mounted within an enclosure. The vibratory movements of the speaker cone are used to drive a translucent color cylinder which is positioned behind a viewing screen. A pair of incandescent bulbs are connected across the speaker coil and vary in intensity in accordance with the signal applied to the speaker. The screen displays a changing color pattern which varies in intensity with the audio signal.

16 Claims, 4 Drawing figures eja- nvenifyrs. e C. Burm, C- fienrz'ksen, e

PATENTEDHM 2 3 I972 6 E2521? a U Mat By flaw APPARATUS FOR SPEAKER ACTUATED VISUAL EFFECTS HAVING MECHANICAL DISPLAY ACTUATION This invention generally relates to an apparatus for providing a visual presentan'on of accoustic effects and more particularly relates to an apparatus for converting an audio signal into a visual display of colors which vary in accordance with the audio signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has long been appreciated that an observers response to external conditions can be increased by increasing the number of his senses which receive the stimuli. Certain psychological moods or responses can be created in the observer by combining a musical presentation with appropriate lighting effects. In fact, it has been observed that certain colors and/or color patterns in themselves create an anticipated mental condition in the observer.

Various arrangements have been suggested for obtaining such audio-visual effects with limited degrees of success. One such configuration samples the audio-signal being fed to a loud speaker. The audio signal is filtered into distinct channels each of which covers a defined frequency range. The output of each channel is rectified and utilized to control the intensity of a light the color of which, is associated with the channel frequency range. A motor is included which drives a disc having various light transmitting characteristics. The disc is positioned between the light source and the observer thereby providing motion as well as intensity variations to the color display.

While such arrangements have been effective, they have been rather complicated and expensive, thus generally limiting their practical application to commercial presentations as opposed to consumer usage. There is, as yet, an unfilled need for a simple, economical apparatus for creating a visually perceivable display in unison with a musical accompaniment which is particularly suitable for use with consumer oriented products.

The subsequently described embodiment provides a visual display apparatus which is effective, relatively convenient and economical to fabricate and particularly suited for use with consumer products such as radios phonographs and tape cassettes. Briefly, an illuminating means is positioned adjacent a display screen. Positioned between the illuminating means and the display screen is a translucent color screen for providing a varying color pattern upon the display screen. The physical excursions of the cone of a loud speaker are sensed and utilized to physically drive the color screen in accordance with the musical presentation.

A main object of this invention is to provide a visually discernible color effect coordinated with the sound provided by a loud speaker.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become obvious from the following description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partially sectionalized prospective view of a loud speaker enclosure including a visual display apparatus incorporating certain features of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, and

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a speaker enclosure having a display apparatus in accordance with an alternate embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS GENERAL DESCRIPTION With particular reference to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment includes a sealed, unported speaker enclosure 1 1 which is hollow and generally rectangular in shape. A portion of the front wall of the enclosure defines a visual display means 12. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment the display means is in the form of a translucent screen 13 of lenticular construction suitable for rearview projection. Although other translucent materials may be acceptable it has been experimentally determined that a screen of lenticular construction is particularly desirable since it provides a rather clear, well defined color pattern without revealing the internal details of the enclosure. Mounted upon the front wall below the screen is a high-compliance permanent magnet speaker 15 including an aperture cover 17. A portion of the mechanical energy generated by the vibratory movement of the speaker cone 17 is used to drive a translucent color which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a color cylinder 21. The cylinder 21 is positioned between the display means 12 and an illuminating means which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of incandescent bulbs 25. As will be further described, the audio-signal supplied to the speaker 15 causes the cone 17 thereof to move. The mechanical movements of the cone 17 are translated to the color cylinder 21 causing it to rotate with respect to the bulbs 25 and to the lenticular screen so as to project upon the screen 13 a continuously changing color pattern which varies in accordance with the intensity and frequency of the vibratory movements of the speaker cone l7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION More particularly, the speaker 15 includes a frame 27 having a mounting flange 29 and a plurality of radially extending, inwardly projecting support ribs 31. The ribs 31 terminate at a magnet support ring 33. The magnet support ring 33 of the speaker 15 retains a permanent magnet 35 in position with respect to the cone 17 which is constructed in a known manner. The cone 17 is secured to the mounting flange 29 which in turn is secured to the inner wall of the cabinet 11 by suitable means not shown.

As previously mentioned, the color cylinder 21 is mounted within the enclosure above the speaker 15 and adjacent the display screen 13. A U shaped mounting bracket 37 having a base member 39 secured to the inner wall of the enclosure, directly below the display means 12. Serving to support the color cylinder 21 are a pair of opposingly spaced mounting arms 41 which extend from the base member 37. The free end of each of the mounting arms 41 is drilled to receive a dimpled bearing race 43, 44 which is secured to the arm by any suitable means. To permit adjustment of the lateral distance between the bearing races 43 and 44, the bearing race 43 is preferably made adjustable as illustrated in FIG. 1. For this purpose, the bearing race 43 includes a threaded stud 45 which is screwed into the hole drilled into the mounting arm 37. Locking the race 43 into position is a lock-nut 47 which is screwed about the stud until it comes into facing contact with the outer surface of the mounting arm. Upon loosening the nut the bearing race 43 may be adjusted to vary the lineal distance between the two races. After the desired distance is obtained, the nut 47 is locked into position to prevent further movement.

Riding within the dimpled surfaces of the bearing races 43 and 44 is a needle-point axle 49 which in turn serves to support the color cylinder 21. Secured to the axle approximately mid-way between ends thereof is a support drum 53. The support drum 53 is secured to the axle 49 by a suitable means so that the drum rotates with the axle. The outer surface of the drum 53 is secured by suitable adhesive to the cylinder 21. The color cylinder 21 may be constructed of any suitable light-weight plastic material such as mylar. Upon the surface of the cylinder is painted a psychedelic or other suitable pattern by the application of colored translucent paint. The relative distance between the dimpled surfaces of the bearing races 43 and 44 is adjusted until the axle 49 is securely held between the arms 41 without exerting any undue stress upon the axle 49. It is particularly desirable that the cylinder 21 be allowed to freely rotate.

Mounted within the color cylinder is the illuminating means which includes the pair of bulbs 25 supported by a pair of reflector assemblies 57. The reflector assemblies project into the color cylinder 21 adjacent the ends thereof. With respect to FIG. 3 the bulbs 25 are connected in parallel with the coil of the speaker which in turn is connected to the terminals of a conventional audio jack 59. In this respect it will be appreciated that the energy supplied to the speaker 15 causes a variance in the illumination of the bulbs 25 so as to provide a visual presentation which varies in intensity with the music being provided by the loud speaker. The resistance of the bulbs 25 is selected so as to minimize the amount of loading which their impedance places across the speaker magnet. However, due consideration should be given to the illumination level required to provide a sufficient light level upon the screen 13.

The bulbs 25 are mounted upon the reflector assemblies 57 which are secured to and supported by the arms 41 of the mounting bracket 37. Serving to more effectively distribute the light rather than concentrate it on particular areas of the screen, the reflector assemblies 57 are provided with nonuniform reflecting surfaces.

As previously mentioned the color cylinder is driven by the speaker cone by a drive means 61. As illustrated, the drive means 61 includes a resilient elongated rachet finger 63 fabricated from a sheet of polyester plastic. The base of the finger is glued to the outer surface of the cone 17 by means of an adhesive. Serving to increase the co-efficient of friction between the finger 63 and the surface of the color cylinder 21 is a friction pad 65 formed of light-weight sponge rubber which is glued to the tip of the finger 63. The finger passes over the edge of the rim of the speaker mounting flange 29 and is slightly crooked as at 68. Providing a rolling fulcrum for the finger 63 as it passes over the flange 29 is a bearing pad 67 formed of sponge rubber which is glued to the surface of the finger. The finger is formed so that when the speaker cone is in the relaxed position the friction pad 68 is caused to rest against the outer surface of the color cylinder 21. During energization of the speaker magnet the speaker cone 17 moves and the cone carries with it the base of the ratchet finger 63. This movement of the base of the ratchet finger is translated to the friction pad 65 which intermittently bears against the surface of the cylinder 21, causing it to rotate in a ratchet type fashion as indicated by the direction of the arrow (FIG. 2). The bearing pad 67 provides a twofold purpose. First, it assures that the tip of the finger will rest with sufficient pressure against the outer surface of the color cylinder 21, and secondly, it provides a mechanical advantage to the movement of the finger tip with respect to the finger base. The distance from the base of the finger to the fulcrum point is less than the distance from the tip of the finger to the fulcrum. Thus, the movement of the base of the finger is translated to a greater movement at the tip so that the rather small forceful movement of the speaker cone is translated into greater movement at the tip of the finger. This particular arrangement imparts a more effective dramatical movement to the color cylinder 21.

OPERATION Electrical energy is supplied through the jack 59 to the voice-coil of the speaker 15. The frequency and amplitude variations of the audio-signal are reflected in a visual manner. The change in energy supplied to the bulbs 25 varies the light intensity of the pattern upon the screen 13. The frequency variations in the audio signal do not vary the illumination intensity due to slow response time of the bulb elements. The audio energy is converted by the speaker into mechanical energy and the speaker cone 17 moves at a rate and amplitude corresponding to the frequency and amplitude of the electrical energy supplied. The movements to the speaker cone 17 are translated through the ratchet finger 63 and are increased in amplitude by means of mechanical advantage previously described, so as to drive the color cylinder 21 in a rotational manner. The rotational movement of the color cylinder causes the color pattern projected upon the screen to vary in a manner corresponding to the audio information. Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 1 provides a colored psychedelic display upon the screen which corresponds to the audio being provided by the loud speaker.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT With respect to the alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, those components which are similar in construction and operation to the elements illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 1 are provided with a corresponding number together with the subscript a. The embodiment of FIG. 4 includes an alternate drive means for driving the color cylinder 21a. The embodiment includes a rib bellows 69, frequently referred to as a syphon bellows, which is mounted below the color cylinder and is ported to the outside atmosphere. In connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1, it was mentioned that the enclosure was sealed and unported to provide a suitable load for the high compliance speaker. With respect to the alternate embodiment such an enclosure is preferred since the drive mechanism relies upon the pressure difference between the inside of the enclosure and atmosphere as created by the excursions of the speaker cone.

Secured to the free end of the bellows 69 is a guide pin 71 which slidably passes through an opening defined by the free end of a bellows support bracket 73. The remaining end of the support bracket is secured to the inner wall of the speaker enclosure. As the bellows expand and contract in accordance with the variations in the air pressure within the speaker enclosure the guide pin slides longitudinally in the opening thus assuring that the bellows will move along a fixed path. Carried upon the free end of the bellows adjacent the guide pin and serving to drive the color cylinder 21, is an elongated ratchet finger 75. The ratchet finger is formed of suitable resilient plastic material and is U shaped. Serving to assure sufficient frictional engagement with the outer surface of the color cylinder is a friction pad 37 of sponge rubber glued to the tip of the finger 75. The bite of the finger is adjusted for the desired tension of the friction pad against the outer surface of the color cylinder 21a.

OPERATION In operation, energy is supplied to the speaker and to the parallel connected illumination bulbs. As the speaker cone vibrates a pressure variation with respect to the outside atmosphere is created within the enclosure. This pressure change causes the bellows to expand and contract in response to the speaker vibrations. The ratchet finger 75 fixed to the free end of the bellows 69 drives the color cylinder 21a with a ratchet type motion. In this manner a color pattern is projected upon the display screen 13a which varies in pattern and intensity in accordance with the musical presentation.

Although two embodiments of this invention have been shown and described it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An audio-visual display apparatus comprising a loud speaker including a support frame, a voice coil and a suspended speaker cone, a color screen displaying thereon at least one predetermined color pattern, said color screen being movable along a substantially fixed path and positioned adjacent said speaker cone and drive means actuated by the excursions of said speaker cone in response to variations in the magnetic field to which said cone is subjected, said drive means engaging said color screen for movement along said predetermined path so as to provide a visually discernible varying color pattern accompanied by the acoustic presentation from said speaker.

2. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said color screen is in the form of an elongated cylinder the surface of said cylinder displaying at least one predetermined color pattern, said cylinder positioned adjacent said speaker and supported for rotation about its axis by said drive means.

3. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said drive means includes an elongated ratchet finger, the base of said finger being secured to the speaker cone and the tip of said finger riding upon a surface of said cylinder about its longitudinal axis.

4. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 3 which further includes an illuminating means for illuminating said cylinder so as to provide a more striking visual appearance.

5. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said illuminating means is positioned within said cylinder, said cylinder being constructed of a light weight light transmitting material and a translucent screen positioned adjacent the surface of said cylinder so that the light produced by said illuminating means is projected through a portion of the surface of said cylinder and onto said screen.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 which further includes a friction pad secured to the tip of said ratchet finger, said friction pad being fabricated of a relatively light-weight material exhibiting a relatively high co-efficient of friction with respect to the surface of said cylinder.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 which further includes a fulcrum support, said finger resting against said fulcrum support to provide a mechanical advantage to the movement of the tip of said finger so that the cone vibrations transmitted to the base of said finger are amplified at the tip thereof so as to in crease the rotatio al speed of said cylinder.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said fulcrum support is provided by said speaker frame.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 which further includes a support drum positioned within said cylinder for rotational support thereof, an axle passing through said drum for rotational support of said cylinder and an adjustable bearing means supporting said axle and providing means for adjusting the physical relationship between said axle and said bearings.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said illuminating means comprises incandescent lights connected across said speaker voice coil.

l l. The apparatus of claim 10 which further includes a translucent screen positioned adjacent the surface of said cylinder and a non-uniform reflector positioned to direct the light from said illuminating means toward said translucent screen so as to provide a moving display upon said screen.

12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said visional display apparatus is enclosed within a sealed enclosure with the face of said speaker cone exposed to the atmosphere, a resilient collapsible bellows positioned adjacent said color cylinder, the inside of said bellows being ported to the atmosphere and a ratchet finger the base of which is mounted to said bellows for movement therewith, the tip of said finger riding upon a surface of said cylinder whereby the vibrational movement of said speaker cone creates a varying pressure condition within enclosure causing said bellows to expand and contract thereby imparting a ratchet type rotational movement to said cylinder through said finger.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 which further includes a guide means for guiding the movement of said bellows along a predetermined path.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 which further includes a friction pad secured to the tip of said ratchet ringer, said friction pad being fabricated of a relatively light weight material exhibiting a relatively high co-efficient of friction with respect to the outer surface of said cylinder.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said ratchet finger is formed in the shape of the letter U," the bite of said finger being adjustable to permit adjustment of the contact pressure between the friction pad and the surface of said cylinder.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 which further includes an incandescent light source positioned within said cylinder and energized by the audio signal supplied to said speaker, said cylinder being constructed of a light-weight, light-transmitting material and a translucent screen positioned adjacent the surface of said cylinder so that the light produced by said incandescent bulb is projected through a portion of the surface of said cylinder onto said screen. 

1. An audio-visual display apparatus comprising a loud speaker including a support frame, a voice coil and a suspended speaker cone, a color screen displaying thereon at least one predetermined color pattern, said color screen being movable along a substantially fixed path and positioned adjacent said speaker cone and drive means actuated by the excursions of said speaker cone in response to variations in the magnetic field to which said cone is subjected, said drive means engaging said color screen for movement along said predetermined path so as to provide a visually discernible varying color pattern accompanied by the acoustic presentation from said speaker.
 2. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said color screen is in the form of an elongated cylinder the surface of said cylinder displaying at least one predetermined color pattern, said cylinder positioned adjacent said speaker and supported for rotation about its axis by said drive means.
 3. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said drive means includes an elongated ratchet finger, the base of said finger being secured to the speaker cone and the tip of said finger riding upon a surface of said cylinder about its longitudinal axis.
 4. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 3 which further includes an illuminating means for illuminating said cylinder so as to provide a more striking visual appearance.
 5. An audio-visual display apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said illuminating means is positioned within said cylinder, said cylinder being constructed of a light weight light transmitting material and a translucent screen positioned adjacent the surface of said cylinder so that the light produced by said illuminating means is projected through a portion of the surface of said cylinder and onto said screen.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 which further includes a friction pad secured to the tip of said ratchet finger, said friction pad being fabricated of a relatively light-weight material exhibiting a relatively high co-efficient of friction with respect to the surface of said cylinder.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 which further includes a fulcrum support, said finger resting against said fulcrum support to provide a mechanical advantage to the movement of the tip of said finger so that the cone vibrations transmitted to the base of said finger are amplified at the tip thereof so as to increase the rotatio al speed of said cylinder.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said fulcrum support is provided by said speaker frame.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 which further includes a support drum positioned within said cylinder for rotational support thereof, an axle passing through said drum for rotational support of said cylinder and an adjustable bearing means supporting said axle and providing means for adjusting the physical relationship between said axle and said bearings.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said illuminating means comprises incandescent lights connected across said speaker voice coil.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 which further includes a translucent screen positioned adjacent the surface of said cylinder and a non-uniform reflector positioned to direct the light from said illuminating means toward said translucent screen so as to provide a moving display upon said screen.
 12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said visional display apparatus is enclosed within a sealed enclosure with the face of said speaker cone exposed to the atmosphere, a resilient collapsible bellows positioned adjacent said color cylinder, the inside of said bellows being ported to the atmosphere and a ratchet finger the base of which is mounted to said bellows for movemeNt therewith, the tip of said finger riding upon a surface of said cylinder whereby the vibrational movement of said speaker cone creates a varying pressure condition within enclosure causing said bellows to expand and contract thereby imparting a ratchet type rotational movement to said cylinder through said finger.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 which further includes a guide means for guiding the movement of said bellows along a predetermined path.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 which further includes a friction pad secured to the tip of said ratchet ringer, said friction pad being fabricated of a relatively light weight material exhibiting a relatively high co-efficient of friction with respect to the outer surface of said cylinder.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said ratchet finger is formed in the shape of the letter ''''U,'''' the bite of said finger being adjustable to permit adjustment of the contact pressure between the friction pad and the surface of said cylinder.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 which further includes an incandescent light source positioned within said cylinder and energized by the audio signal supplied to said speaker, said cylinder being constructed of a light-weight, light-transmitting material and a translucent screen positioned adjacent the surface of said cylinder so that the light produced by said incandescent bulb is projected through a portion of the surface of said cylinder onto said screen. 